Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 106

SAGE

1 had no idea the bar had a back room. As Scott and I were led through a narrow hallway, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The air felt heavier, the dim light from a single overhead bulb barely illuminating the space. When we stepped inside, the room greeted us with a

stark contrast to the lively bar out front.

It was dark, cramped, and rusty, as if this part of the building hadn't been touched by renovation in decades. The smell of stale alcohol and faint metallic tang hung in the air, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. A handful of people lingered around small tables, their conversations dying the moment we entered.

All eyes turned to us, their gazes sharp and unwelcoming. Each stare felt like it carried a silent challenge, as if they were waiting for us to explain our presence or make a wrong move. The people here weren't ordinary bar patrons; they exuded an aura of danger. Scarred faces, weathered expressions, and tense postures told a story of lives lived on the fringes of the law-or perhaps far beyond it.

I couldn't help but feel exposed under their scrutiny, like a deer walking into a den of wolves. My heartbeat quickened, but I forced myself to appear calm, standing straighter as I followed Scott's lead.

"This place screams trouble," I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the room with a practiced wariness.

"Now, do you realized how stupid it is to go here alone?" he said.

I roll my eyes at him in response. I'm aware of the danger, I wasn't just expecting it to be this dangerous.

A hulking man near the corner spat on the floor, his eyes narrowing at us. Another man whispered something to his companion, who chuckled darkly. The atmosphere felt thick with unspoken threats, but no one made a move-yet.

Scott stepped closer to me, his presence solid and reassuring. "Stay close," he said, his voice firm.

I didn't need to be told twice. This was no place for mistakes, and every instinct in me screamed to stay on guard. Whatever/ deal I thought / could strike with the hunter suddenly felt far riskier than I had imagined. But it was too late to back out now.

We moved deeper into the room, my senses on high alert with every step. The murmurs of conversation picked up again, though I could feel the weight of curious, suspicious stares lingering on us. Scott stayed just half a step ahead, his body a barrier between me and the unknown threats around us.

In the far corner, seated at a battered wooden table, was the hunter. His rugged features were cast in shadow, but his piercing eyes caught the dim light, gleaming like a predator's. He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease despite the tension in the room, as if he owned it.

"Well, well," he drawled, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Look who graces us with her presence."

Scott cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Let's make this quick

The hunter's gaze flicked to me, ignoring Scott entirely. "Bold of you to come back here, little lady," he said, his tone almost amused. "Got tired of letting the big bad Alpha speak for you?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let his words rattle me. "I'm here because we need your help. And if money isn't enough to convince you, I'm prepared to negotiate."

His brows lifted, and his smile widened. "Negotiate, huh? That's a dangerous word around here."

always carried. "Don't push

hunter chuckled, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Relax, Beta. I'm just having a

the empty chairs across

moved first, pulling out the chair and sitting down. Scott sighed and

the hunter.

the hunter asked,

one condition," I said firmly, even though my

me, his hand shooting out to grip my

wasn't asking for you opinion, Scott," I interrupted, turning

at me with hesitation. He probably noticed the determination in my eyes that he was finally convinced that there's nothing

us with interest, his fingers tapping idly on the table. "Go on. I'm listening," he

payment for this mission. I'm aware of your intention to sell me to the highest bidder. But under one condition, that I'll be the one to choose who are allowed

smile turned predatory. "I don't think that you're in the position to negotiate,

all the rights to

grow quieter, the tension thick as

my

back, his eyes

his dark eyes never leaving mine as a slow smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "You've got guts," he said finally, his

Scott's jaw tightened, his frustration radiating off him in waves, but he stayed silent,

long. "Alright," he said at last, his voice calm but edged with skepticism. "Let's say I agree to include your condition. How can I be sure you're going to hold

breath, then spoke before I could overthink it. "Does a

snapped toward me, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Sage, are

serious?"

"It's the only way to guarantee trust between us. If either side breaks the

about every day." His lips

worry, I'm big girl. I know what I getting myself into," I said,

grabbed my arm, his voice low and urgent. "Do you even hear yourself right now? A blood pact isn't

his worried gaze. "If we don't do this, we lose any chance

mock contemplation. "Well, well," he drawled, his tone laced with intrigue. "I'm almost

he doesn't know about," I shot back, my voice

gleaming in the dim light.

between us with a raised hand. "We need a moment. Sage and I need to talk- now."

grip was firm but not painful, his concern etched across his face. "Sage, you can't do this," he hissed, his voice low but urgent. "There's no

with determination. "This is the only way to make sure the hunter agrees